Question

passage 1: the glitter and the grit of the gilded age
wealth, luxury, and invention are the words that define the new century
but beneath the glow of prosperity lies the labor of millions. tenements rise in the shadow of marble mansions, and the soot of factories stains the very air we breathe. while men boast of
progress, the citys poor die in crowded rooms with no light and no hope.

• new york journal, 1892

which of the following best represents the contradiction described in the passage?
a rapid urban growth versus government reform
b wealth and technological progress versus poverty and inequality
c immigration versus political corruption
d economic success versus international decline

Explanation:

The passage mentions "wealth, luxury, and invention" (representing wealth and technological progress) and then contrasts with "the city's poor die in crowded rooms with no light and no hope" (representing poverty and inequality).

Answer:

B. Wealth and technological progress versus poverty and inequality